Whether you’re an experienced skier or just hitting the bunny slopes (no judgment!), we have the right pair of skis for you. We work with skiers and gear experts to review products for flex and shape, and update our rankings weekly based on SidelineSwap sales data.
Adrian has worked in ski shops and on the mountain. These days, he's living in Eastern Europe and most likes to ski the Olympic Mountains in Bosnia, Bjelašnica and Jahorina.
Avid skier and owner of SkiAmbassador LLC. Since 2022, Ben has sold 450 pairs of skis out of his 1000-sq-ft Denver apartment.
The Fischer Stunner skis with are lightweight and easy to flex due to the Air Power Core and Cap Construction, which provide the control and stability needed to build confidence on the slopes. The traditional camber profile enhances stability and helps young skiers manage their speed as they gain experience with downhill skiing.
The Fischer RC4 World Cup SL ski is a lightning-fast race ski engineered for aggressive turns. Featuring specialized shovel construction and the powerful M-Plate, these skis deliver explosive acceleration and unmatched agility. Hole Ski technology enhances stability, while the World Cup race base ensures lightning-fast speed.
The Rossignol Hero Athlete GS skis are designed for serious giant slalom racers. Inspired by World Cup race skis, they feature Carbon Laminate for enhanced edge hold and responsiveness. This high-performance ski delivers maximum speed, stability, and control on the slopes.
The GS Skis are the first pair of race skis that many kids get to own, and that makes a lot of sense, since that’s exactly who Rossignol designed them for. They certainly fit the bill, providing enough speed and edge control to take on Giant Slalom and Super G courses. In many ways, they’re the obvious choice for parents who are looking to get a competitive pair of race skis for their children. On the other hand, if that doesn’t exactly describe what you’re looking for, you might want to try to find more versatile skis that will open up more of the mountain.
Adrian Ryan
The Black Pearl 88 is a versatile all-mountain ski designed for women. The TrueBlend All-Mountain Woodcore offers a harder flex in the center where you need more strength and softer in the tip and tail for more forgiveness and an easy power release. The FluxForm W.S.D. construction provides a balance of stability and playfulness. Whether you're cruising the groomers or exploring the backcountry, this ski delivers a smooth and enjoyable ride.
The Head Monster Easy JRS skis feature a synergistic system of ski, binding, and plate that promotes a softer flex, enabling effortless turns with minimal energy expenditure. Their lightweight construction and user-friendly bindings make them easy to carry and operate, reducing fatigue and allowing young adventurers to explore the mountain with more energy and confidence.
The Atomic Redster G9 is a high-performance ski that brings World Cup technology to the slopes. Inspired by the skis used by professional racers like Mikaela Shiffrin, the Redster G9 offers exceptional edge grip, stability, and responsiveness. Its Ultra Power Wood Core, titanal laminates, and Servotec technology deliver a powerful and precise ride, making it ideal for advanced skiers who demand the best. Whether you're carving turns on groomed runs or tackling challenging terrain, the Redster G9 will elevate your skiing experience.
When it comes to racing, Atomic has led the pack since 2012 with their Redster line of skis. Dedicated to racing and piste, Redsters are designed to carve, turn, and speed down the mountain with precise grip and handling. Atomic offers a variety of models, some more ‘piste-forward’ and others more ‘race-forward’. The Redster G9 is Atomic's more resort-friendly race skis with a shorter turn radius. Build to go fast and maintain stability all the while.
Ben Goodman
The Atomic Vantage skis are a lightweight all-mountain powerhouse that excels in a variety of conditions. Despite its incredibly light weight, this ski boasts exceptional edge grip and precision thanks to Atomic's innovative Prolite construction with Energy Backbone and Titanium Tank Mesh. This unique combination delivers impressive stability and power while maintaining a remarkably low weight, setting the Atomic Vantage apart from other skis in its class.
The Völkl Racetiger GS skis offer exceptional performance on the giant slalom slopes. Tailored Carbon Tip technology provides precise torsional control, allowing for a more direct and agile approach to the gate. These skis also feature Full Sidewall ABSm which offer durability and impact resistance, protecting the ski from the rigors of racing. These skis are a top choice for competitive skiers seeking speed, stability, and precision.
Although Volkl doesn’t quite have the profile of some other ski manufacturers, I’ve always enjoyed heading up the chairlift clipped into a couple of their skis. The Volkl Racetiger GS Skis are my favorite skis for those days you’re going to spend on hard or even icy slopes, since they have the strength and bite to keep you feeling confident in challenging conditions. They’re fast enough to be used in junior competition, if that’s what you’re looking for, but they’re also versatile enough to work as a day-to-day ski.
Adrian Ryan
The Elan Exar E-Rise skis feature an easy-to-handle, lightweight design. The Early Rise Rocker profile with gradual tip and tail rocker enhances maneuverability and reduces the risk of catching an edge, making turns smooth and effortless. Constructed with a durable Comprex Wood Core and reinforced with fiberglass layers.
The Salomon QST series is a versatile all-mountain ski. With various shapes and rocker profiles, these skis excel in both on-piste and off-piste conditions. Carbon Powered C/FX technology enhances dampening and power, while full ABS sidewalls and Powerframe Ti ensure edge grip and stability.
I’ve tried out a number of skis within the Salomon QST family since they were introduced back in 2016. There’s a huge number of different models out there, but they all share a few common features: namely, ease of control and maneuverability across a variety of conditions and terrain types. Keep an eye out for QST 106s and later models, as that model is the first to feature a large swathe of updates to improve performance.
Adrian Ryan
The Rossignol Experience ski offers a balanced blend of stability and agility. LCT technology ensures smooth turns, while the progressive sidecut and HD Core TI provide a dampened ride. This versatile ski is perfect for skiers of all levels seeking a reliable and enjoyable experience on the slopes.
Although Rossignol is mostly known for World Cup-inspired carving skis, they really did knock it out of the park with their take on the all-mountain concept. I wouldn’t be going out on a limb by saying that they didn’t quite produce a dedicated pair of freeriders, but that wasn’t really what they were going for. These skis are more than able to handle some off-piste and glade skiing while also keeping together on groomed runs as well as you’d expect a Rossignol product to perform (which is quite well, for the record).
Adrian Ryan
The HEAD SuperShape Team skis feature ERA 2.0 technology, which offer a perfectly balanced design for enhanced stability and control. The lightweight construction and easy-to-use bindings minimize fatigue, allowing kids to enjoy longer days on the slopes.
The Volkl Chica0 features a scientifically designed shape, flex, and tip rocker for effortless turns. The 109-69-88mm shape (from length 120cm and on) provides exceptional stability and playful maneuverability, making learning to ski a joy. The optional vMotion Jr binding, compatible with Grip Walk soles, ensures secure power transfer and comfortable step-in convenience.
The Blizzard Cochise skis represent a significant advancement in rocker ski design, finally realizing the technology's full potential. The Cochise excels in hard-snow carving, offering a stable, lively, and smooth ride that rivals traditional carving skis. This exceptional performance is attributed to its "natural" rocker, a simple, smooth curve from tip to tail that provides an incredibly natural feel.
The Head KORE Team skis offer control and stability thanks to a construction utilizing high strength-to-weight ratio materials, including Graphene and a Sandwich Cap Construction. A durable topsheet withstands the rigors of young skiers, while tip and tail rocker enhances flotation in softer snow and makes turn initiation effortless.
The K2 Mindbender skis are a line of high-performance freeride skis featuring a range of waist widths to suit different skiing styles and conditions. Wider skis are better for a deep powder, while narrower skis are more agile on groomers. The Mindbender skis have All-Terrain Rocker, which provides a balance of stability and maneuverability, making it easy to turn and float in powder.
I get why it’s the case, but it can be frustrating that so many freeride or powder skis are either too pricey or too advanced for intermediate skiers. Thankfully, the K2 Mindbenders are here for those looking to dip their toes into bowl or backcountry skiing without breaking the bank or needing expert-level skills. They provide a great entry point into more adventurous skiing while keeping you comfortable and in control, making them a solid choice for those who aren’t quite ready for high-end models like the Blizzard Rustler 11 Skis.
Adrian Ryan
The Rossignol Hero FIS SL Pro skis are designed for elite slalom racers. LCT technology provides precise control and superior grip at high speeds, while a Full Camber maximizes power transfer. These high-performance skis deliver exceptional results on the World Cup circuit.
The Rossignol Hero FIS SL Pro Skis are premium race skis that are targeted at the absolute highest level of skiers out there. They’re actually approved by FIS—the International Ski and Snowboard Federation—for use in professional events and, as you’d expect, they’re packed full of the latest and greatest ski technology. You don’t necessarily need to be a pro to rip some runs in these, but you really do need to know what you’re doing. I’m not a pro, but as an expert skier, I can tell you that you feel powerful skiing in them because you can really get close to your limits.
Adrian Ryan
The Fischer RC4 World Cup GS skis feature cutting-edge World Cup technology, to deliver exceptional speed, precision, and control. Sensational edge grip provides the confidence young racers need, while direct power transfer ensures explosive acceleration and unrivaled responsiveness. The stable wood core minimizes vibrations for a smooth and controlled ride, and the race-ready base eliminates the need for sidewall planning.
The Rossignol Hero FIS GS Pro skis feature size-specific flexes and balanced constructions to perfectly match the skiers growth and skill development. Race-proven Line Control Technology (LCT) ensures unrivaled precision and control, eliminating counter-flexing for unwavering line stability.
The K2 Amp Strike skis offer exceptional value for beginner skiers, providing a smooth and controlled learning experience. K2's MOD technology effectively dampens vibrations, enhancing edge-hold and stability, while the Catch-Free Rocker profile facilitates easy turn initiation and effortless stability.
The HEAD World Cup Rebels i. GS RD skis deliver unmatched acceleration, supreme balance, and faultless control to dominate any GS competition. Boasting the most Olympic medals of any ski, its legacy is built on refined racing technology. Head's aggressive construction provides the explosive power and precise responsiveness you need to outrun the competition, while the lightweight, ultra-responsive core integrates Titanal, Graphene, and intelligent technology for unmatched strength and control.
The Volkl RTM skis are designed for frontside performance with a wider waist width for versatility. Volkl's innovative 3D Ridge and 3D Glass construction techniques provide exceptional stability and power, while the UVO vibration damping system with steel construction ensures a smooth, quiet, and composed ride.
The Salomon XDR skis are built with a poplar wood core and Salomon's C/FX Super Fiber (a blend of carbon and flax), the XDR 84 boasts enhanced responsiveness and dampening. A full-width Titanal laminate underfoot, tapering towards the tips and tails, adds power and stability.
The Elan Sky skis, featuring Elan's groundbreaking U-Flex technology, improve the ski's flex by 25%, enabling kids to fully bend the ski and easily engage their edges, making learning more intuitive and efficient. When paired with softer, more flexible ski boots, the Sky provides an optimal learning platform. This ski not only delivers exceptional performance but also boasts a unique, eye-catching design that will appeal to young skiers.
The Rossignol Terrain skis feature Rossignol's forgiving Auto Turn Rocker, which facilitate easy turn initiation and a smooth learning curve, while their lightweight construction ensures nimble and intuitive handling. Ideal for beginners, the Terrain skis provide a solid foundation for skill development.
The Atomic Redster FIS GS skis feature revoshock technology that absorbs bumps for unmatched stability and control, while maintaining lightning-fast edge-to-edge transitions and explosive acceleration. Full-length sidewalls and Ultra TI Powered laminate ensure unwavering edge hold and torsional rigidity, even in the most demanding conditions.
The K2 Luv Bug skis, paired with the FDT 4.5 bindings, are specifically designed to make a young skier's first experience on the slopes fun and successful. These skis are sized appropriately for smaller frames and feature an exceptionally forgiving, soft, and lightweight construction that promotes effortless progression. The catch-free rocker profile is a standout feature, minimizing edge catches and making turning and learning significantly easier, allowing beginners to focus on developing their skills in a safe and enjoyable environment.
The Blizzard Brahma skis have exceptional carving performance and torsional stiffness. The True Blend wood core provides great stability and power through various types of terrain. The Brahma will allow skiers to go through any types of terrain and give them the confidence to do so.
The Elan Maxx skis feature the revolutionary U-Flex technology, a groundbreaking design that increases ski flex by 25% and makes them the most innovative junior skis available. This patented technology allows kids to fully flex the ski, accelerating the learning process and making it easier to transition to edge control. Paired perfectly with specially designed, softer flexing ski boots, the Maxx skis provide an unmatched combination for effortless learning and rapid skill development.
The HEAD World Cup Rebels e-GS RD Skis are designed for elite-level giant slalom racers, offering exceptional speed, stability, and precision. The e-GS RD skis feature Titanium Stabilizer which provides stability and vibration dampening, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. These skis also feature HEAD's innovative EMC technology, which provides enhanced vibration control and improved energy transfer.
The HEAD World Cup Rebels e-GS RD Skis are a serious pair of skis for serious skiers. They also feel amazing whatever type of conditions you’re skiing, as a result of the vibration-dampening technology they contain. And, yes, I’m even talking about those terrible icy marbles. All and all, these are some of the best performing skis that you can get for an affordable price when buying used.
Adrian Ryan